Hundreds of migrants remain stranded outside closed Durban repatriation centre

Hundreds of foreign nationals remained camped outside Durban’s former Drive-In repatriation centre on Monday despite the facility having officially closed, as many continued waiting for assistance to return to their home countries amid fears of xenophobic violence.

While Zimbabwean nationals were relocated to Hoy Park earlier in the day before boarding buses back to Zimbabwe, many Malawian citizens stayed outside the closed site hoping transport arrangements would also be made for them.

Among those seeking assistance was Blessings Chaya, a Zimbabwean who said he had lived in South Africa since 2019. He explained that he had gone to the repatriation centre after experiencing alleged xenophobia at work and because his immigration documents, including his passport, had expired. According to Chaya, his lack of documentation had left him unable to resolve his employment situation.

Mozambican national Petros Sambo said he had fled violence in Chatsworth and travelled to the centre hoping to secure transport back home. He said the decision forced him to leave behind his three children and described the uncertainty facing those still waiting for assistance. Sambo added that only a handful of Mozambican nationals remained at the makeshift camp.

Conditions at the site have become increasingly difficult. With no access to running water or sanitation facilities, some women reportedly travelled to the nearby beachfront to wash while families continued sleeping outdoors as they waited for transport arrangements.

As buses carrying Zimbabwean nationals departed, more migrants arrived at the area hoping to secure places on future repatriation services. The departures included women and children, while others continued gathering outside the stadium in search of assistance.

One young Zimbabwean preparing to return home expressed relief at finally leaving but also sadness over what he described as the treatment he and fellow migrants had experienced during the recent wave of anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa.

The situation unfolds amid heightened tensions over immigration following nationwide anti-migrant protests and government efforts to assist foreign nationals who voluntarily choose to return home. Authorities have urged people not to travel to the closed Durban Drive-In facility, saying official repatriation arrangements are now being coordinated through alternative channels.